Page 21 of Vicious Vows

I caressed her cheek. “Get me through tonight without any problems, then maybe we can talk about those other desires.”

She wasn’t talking about physical desires, but eventually, I would have to admit that I had developed feelings for her despite how deadly those emotions could be.

“I’ll do whatever you need.” She took my hand. “I won’t leave your side.”

“Thank you.” I kissed her knuckles. “Let’s go meet them. Milo and Lucas are already there.”

Once we left our suite, Dom and Randy, my two top security guys, followed behind us.

“Hello, boys.” Lissia smiled at them but neither said anything. As we walked down a secluded hallway, she whispered, “Your staff can be rude.”

“They’re not rude. They’re just focused on their job.” I placed my hand on the small of her back and guided her through a set of double doors. “Plus, they’re trying to stay alive.”

“How could saying hello to me jeopardize their lives?”

“They know what happened with Ricardo. And I won’t tolerate any more fuck ups when it comes to you.” I put my arm around her waist. “Not from them and not from you.”

Dom opened the door for us once we approached the private lounge we were meeting in.

“Stay by the door,” I instructed them. “Milo’s guys are on the other side.”

They both nodded as we entered the dimly lit room. A piano player on the far side of the room entertained with soft music, and a large hand-carved bar stood in the middle of the room. Bottles of alcohol and expensive crystal glasses were stacked strategically on the shelves behind it.

Across the room, four men sat at a table by the doors that opened to the outside. Part of the security team, maybe. At the bar, Milo and Lucas met with two men who I recognized as Lorenzo Garcia, the cartel contact, and his right-hand man Mateo Blanco.

“Chello.” Milo waved me over. “Join us.”

“Are you ready?” I asked Lissia as we got closer to the bar.

“Those men,” she said. “I?—”

“Don’t worry about them.” I pulled her close to me. “Just stay by my side and let me handle them.”

The four of them stood as we approached. Just as Lorenzo was about to shake my hand, he focused on Lissia and smiled.

“Lorenzo.” She laughed. “Is that you?”

“Lissia.” He took her hand and guided her away from me, bringing her into a tight hug.

What the fuck?

Milo shrugged, and Lucas shook his head.

“Can you get my brother a double shot of vodka, please,” Milo said to the bartender. “It’s going to be a long night.”

“What are you doing here?” Lorenzo asked Lissia.

“I’m with Marchello.” She let go of him and came to stand back next to me. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m with Marchello too.” Lorenzo looked at me and extended his hand. “You’re quite popular. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise.” I shook his hand.

“Lissia.” Lorenzo leaned against the bar. “It’s been a while”

“How exactly do you two know one another?” Milo asked.

“I spent many summers in Argentina with Lorenzo and Mateo.” Lissia leaned in and gave Mateo a kiss on the cheek. “How are you?”

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